As the American Queen kicked off its 2016 sailing season last month, the grand paddle wheeler was technically the same vessel the American Queen Steamboat Co. had been sailing for the past four seasons. But with each new year comes a slew of upgrades, and this season was no exception.
When the Memphis-based American Queen Steamboat Co. (AQSC) purchased the 436-passenger paddle wheeler in 2011, the company spent $7 million in upgrades just to be able to put the vessel back in service the following year. It had been mothballed since 2008 following the collapse of the Majestic America Line and was in need of some tender loving care.
Even company executives will admit that the American Queen has continued to be a work in progress, and with each season additional upgrades and enhancements are made to continually improve upon the 21-year-old ship.
When the American Queen came under AQSC's ownership, "the interior was in good shape, but the exterior had been covered in mold," said John Waggoner, the chairman and CEO of AQSC, during the vessel's debut 2016 departure. So for this sailing season, Waggoner turned his attention to sprucing up the American Queen's exterior.
He told the board and crew members, "We really need to brighten this [vessel] up."
He became fixated on coating the ship in a very high-quality white linear polyurethane paint that is often used on yachts. After a fair amount of convincing, decks two through five have been coated with the higher-quality paint, and the difference really shows, especially when compared to the few areas of the paddle wheeler where the old finish remains (eventually the entire vessel will be painted). Approaching the American Queen, even from a distance, it looks noticeably shinier and brighter this year.
American Queen Steamboat Co. CEO John Waggoner shows off the American Queen’s new paint job and its refurbished mahogany details. Photo Credit: Michelle Baran
Additionally, the company has begun replacing the ship's steel handrails along its wraparound balconies with brand-new mahogany rails, painted the outside deck floors and varnished all the mahogany doors on the outside-facing staterooms.
It hasn't forgotten the interiors, either. One by one, each stateroom has received new treatments, from the wallpaper to the furniture. In fact, during the last three years, AQSC has reupholstered every piece of furniture on the ship, according to Waggoner.
As for public areas, the alternative dining venue, the Front Porch of America, at the bow of the ship was completely overhauled last year and has been outfitted with a new bar, new cabinetry, new floors and a new food-service area. The upgrades have arguably made the indoor/outdoor venue too popular for its intimate size. With its steady flow of self-service light meals, snacks such a fresh-popped popcorn and soft-serve ice cream, drinks, coffee, tea, espressos and cappuccinos, the Front Porch is one of the more hopping spots on the American Queen throughout the day.
But the Front Porch as well as the main J.M. White Dining Room should be getting some relief sometime in the next couple of years when AQSC finally executes its plans to turn the all-but-abandoned outdoor River Grill area at the aft of the vessel into a proper indoor, alternative dining venue. Company executives said the updated spot on the American Queen will be modeled after the River Grill on the company's American Empress, which sails the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. If that's the case, future passengers can expect a top-notch alternative dining venue with small-plate, regional selections.
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The sun deck has been getting some love, as well. With one of the best vantage points on the American Queen, high above the river, the area surrounding the cozy pool and fitness room now houses lounge-style seating, including outdoor sofas and lounge chairs with canopy covers for shade. Waggoner said this area will eventually house cabana-style seating, as well.
Aside from the upgrades mentioned above, the American Queen is very much the same iconic paddle wheeler it was when it launched in 1995, complete with notable features such as the decked-out Grand Saloon entertainment venue and the Engine Room tavern.
But with each passing season under AQSC's ownership, passengers will continue to benefit from the discerning eyes of an executive staff who are self-proclaimed boat enthusiasts and dedicated to the long-term life and evolution of the largest steamboat plying the Mississippi River.
American Queen cruises start at $2,149 per person. For more information, visit www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com.